OpenSea faces backlash over ‘OS2’ private beta, airdrop dynamics

Non-fungible token (NFT) platform OpenSea has announced that holders of its Gemesis NFTs now have access to the private beta version of its upgraded marketplace, OS2.

On Jan. 28, the NFT marketplace said it completed taking the snapshot of wallets with Gemesis NFTs. The company posted that there are almost 50,000 holders of the NFTs, saying that these users could now access OS2.

On Nov. 4, 2024, OpenSea founder and CEO Devin Finzer revealed plans to build a new version of the platform “from the ground up.” Finzer did not provide many details about the platform but said it might be released sometime in December. 

However, in a Dec. 31 update, Finzer said the OS2 beta is still rolling out the last waves of beta testers, delaying the launch. 

OpenSea token airdrop confirmed

The announcement of OS2 has reignited speculation among the community about a potential OpenSea token airdrop. Some users have compared the platform’s strategy to its competitors, such as Blur and Magic Eden, which issued tokens to users through airdrops.

DappRadar communications manager and head of content “nederob” said the new platform catches some “serious hype” because of a potential airdrop. However, the executive said that with OpenSea being based in the United States, where regulations are relatively still unclear, an airdrop may be unlikely but not unthinkable. 

On Dec. 15, speculation on a potential airdrop from OpenSea intensified as the platform registered its business in the Cayman Islands, leading some to speculate this move was a step toward facilitating a token airdrop.

OpenSea has not confirmed any plans for an airdrop.

OpenSea faces backlash over OS2 access, airdrop dynamics

When OpenSea finally released the private beta access to its NFT holders, users expressed their dissatisfaction on X about who can access the platform and how it plans to give points to users for an upcoming airdrop. 

One community member said that the platform prioritized its NFT holders over its users. NFT trader TylerD was frustrated over not having access to version 2 of the platform because of not having a Gemesis NFT. The NFT collector claimed to have over $10 million in lifetime trading volume on the platform. 

Meanwhile, users who have accessed the platform reported that the NFT marketplace does not offer retroactive points for their old users. This means that everyone who uses the new platform starts from scratch. 

NFT trader Beanie argued that the decision alienates those who had generated significant trading fees for OpenSea, accusing the platform of neglecting its early supporters. The trader urged the community to send the token to zero when it launches. 

In response to the backlash, Finzer addressed concerns on X, stating that OpenSea had not forgotten the “OGs” who helped build the platform, though he did not provide further details.